In Helen, Georgia—a quaint walkable downtown marked by Bavarian-style architecture and adorable shops, restaurants, and beer halls—exists in playful contrast to the surrounding outdoor adventure playground. If you didn’t know any better, you might think you’re in the European Alps, not a pocket of lower Appalachia. But in-the-know adventure enthusiasts recognize Helen for the recreation hub that it is, full of hiking trails, refreshing river adventures, treetop ziplines, and waterfalls galore. Get familiar with all the adventurous things to do in Helen, Georgia, because the list is lengthy and impressive!
This story was created in partnership with the Alpine Helen/White County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
State Parks & Historic Sites in Helen
Georgia may be one of America’s states without a national park, but it more than makes up for that minor detail with a plethora of incredible state parks, historic sites, and more. White County (where Helen is located) has the state’s highest number of state parks. West of Helen, you’ll find Smithgall Woods State Park, where you can cast a line in some of the best waters for fly fishing in all of Georgia.
Georgia’s newest historic site, Hardman Farm Historic Site, is located on the edge of town and on a nice day can be reached on the ADA-friendly, one-mile-long Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail. Admire the historic architecture of the Italianate mansion, learn about the lifestyles of early settlers to the area, and honor those who called this land home first at the Indigenous burial mound on site.
For serious hikers, the Appalachian Trail cuts through the area, and Mount Yonah is another popular area for trekkers and mountain bikers. If you’re doubting the toughness of the terrain, know it’s also used as an Army Ranger training ground.
Helen Ziplining
Just a few miles north of town sits Unicoi State Park. There is an adrenaline-inducing zipline and ropes course that beckons thrill seekers, with one course ending in a half-mile ride suspended high above the lake. (I’ve done it, and it’s insane!) If you’re interested in other aerial park adventures, check out Cool River Adventures or Nacoochee Adventures.
North Georgia Waterfalls
Waterfall chasing is a popular thing to do in Helen, thanks to more than 20 waterfalls within a 30-minute drive. In fact, the region is home to one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the South. Georgia’s only dual waterfall, Anna Ruby Falls, is just a quick 15-minute trip from downtown Helen.
Further out, two of the state’s other major waterfalls, Amicalola and Tallullah falls, are also less than an hour from Helen.
Rafting & Tubing in Helen
In Georgia, you might hear folks talking about going to “shoot the Hooch.” No, this is not a moonshine reference. It means enjoying river adventures on the Chattahoochee River, and Helen is highly revered across the state as one of the best places to shoot the Hooch!
In Helen, river tubing is a beloved way to beat the heat at a leisurely pace, with rafting and kayaking as more active options. The Chattahoochee runs right through downtown, so you’ll enjoy Alpine Helen from the unique vantage point of the river.
Not into the river runs? Grab a spot at one of the riverfront restaurants and watch tubers splash by while sipping a cold beverage!
Helen’s Unique Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for unique outdoor experiences, Helen is the place to be. Start in town, where both a low-key mini golf course and a heart-pounding mountain coaster provide fun for the whole family. (I can personally confirm the coaster will have you shrieking in delight, even as an adult.)
Let little imaginations run wild at the Eagle Owl Castle or the Cabbage Patch Babyland General Hospital. The latter is the “birthplace” of the beloved children’s toy. Both locations feature elaborate grounds for a whimsical day.
Elsewhere, horseback riding, lavender farms, safari parks, and boat rentals all offer a wide range of ways to experience the most of the North Georgia scenery with all your senses.
Restaurants & Places to Stay in Helen, GA
All that adventure works up an appetite! Dozens of Helen restaurants serve up everything from barbecue to Bavarian-inspired favorites. For adults, tasting rooms and breweries welcome of-age connoisseurs and curious samplers alike. North Georgia is peppered with award-winning wineries, so book a full-fledged tour for the ultimate experience. There’s even an official Hofbrauhaus location, where your thirst for adventure can be quenched with a frosty stein of German beer shipped in straight from Munich. For good reason, Helen is well-known for its lively Oktoberfest and Christmas market celebrations.
No matter your adventure or culinary preferences, cabins in Helen are popular accommodations, but you’ll also find plenty of hotels, inns, vacation rentals, mountain resorts, and campgrounds to choose from.
If you’re planning a trip to Georgia, Helen is a must-see as the state’s capital of outdoor adventure. Less than two hours from Atlanta, Helen is the ultimate gateway to the great outdoors of Appalachian Georgia.
